The South Korean Cabinet of minister on early Wednesday lifted the martial law announced by President Yoon Suk Yeol. South Korea plunged into a crisis after President Yoon declared martial law in an emergency national address on Tuesday night. Yoon said he made the decision to protect freedom and constitutional order, and that it will not have an impact on South Korea’s foreign policy. He added that it would also help eradicate the influence of North Korean supporters.
“Through the declaration of martial law, I will rebuild and protect a free South Korea,” Yoon said. A proclamation released after the address banned all political activities and strikes and said media would be subject to the control of the Martial Law Command, according to Yonhap News.
However, hours after President Yoon declared martial law in a bid to eliminate “anti-state” forces, the country’s parliament voted to lift the declaration. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declared that the martial law was “invalid” and that lawmakers “will protect democracy with the people”, according to the Associated Press.